For close followers of the annual World’s 50 Best Bars accolade, it’ll come as little surprise to see Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage and Sydney’s Maybe Sammy recognised.
For the second year running, Caretaker’s Cottage has been named Best Bar in Australasia, coming in at number 19 globally on the awards list, announced at an event in Hong Kong on 8 October.
Coming in at first place on the global list was Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, with Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy at number two and Barcelona’s Sips in third place.
Since opening in 2022, Caretaker’s Cottage, which calls itself “probably Victoria’s smallest pub” has “become a must-visit for locals and travellers alike”, says the list’s website. Owners Matt Stirling, Ryan Nordics and Rob Libecans said they were “blown away” by the news they’d ranked highest in the region in 2024.
The bar’s signature martini “served bracingly cold from the freezer” is one of the reasons given by the judges for its top 20 placement. It has climbed two places since 2024.
Maybe Sammy in Sydney, which was named Best Bar in Australasia for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, placed at number 42.
“We are so incredibly proud to be recognised on the World’s 50 Best Bars list for the seventh year in the row – a milestone that means so much to us,” its owners said in a post on social media. Founder Stefano Catino went on to argue they might be a better venue than when they were first named, saying they’re now more profitable and they’re proud of putting “Sydney on the global cocktail map”.
Melbourne’s Byrdi was named in the long list at number 91 this year, dropping from 35 in 2024. New Sydney bar Tigra and Disco Pantera, which opened in 2024, was awarded Best Bar Design for its 1970s aesthetic and use of reclaimed materials.
“Every element of the rich, ambient space is carefully sourced: a backbar made with timber cutoffs from the front cladding, articulated illustrator lamps from Walt Disney Studios and a sound system salvaged from a now-closed Sydney nightclub,” said the judges.
The awards were judged by a panel of 800 experts from around the world, including bartenders and drinks writers. Names of the voters are confidential to prevent lobbying, and the award has 29 academy chairs across different regions to “further ensure fair representation”.
